Ford windstar dome lights problem

[tasteph]

On my recently purchased '96 Windstar I had same problem but I think I've got mine fixed. I've seen other postings that suggested start engine and then open/close one door at a time. I aslo sprayed WD-40 on all doors. It appears that the driver's door was the one that was the problem.

Of course a "dealer" is going to charge you an arm and leg to fix the problem. They might even ask for a couple of fingers and toes too!

[Windstar Star]

I have had this issue for a long time! Finally read the forum, got some ideas and fixed it. I used a drill mounted wire brush and cleaned off the four contacts on the side sliding door and the four on the door post. I opened the hatch and operated the little spring sliders on the sides of the hatch door until the dust stopped coming out (compressed air would probably be better). I then sprayed these, the hatch door latches (right above the spring sliders), and the contact points on the side sliding door with WD-40.
VOILA!! 20 seconds after door close, the lights turn off!!!!
Thank you car forum!!

[phil-l]

To others reading this: I would *not* use a drill and wire wheel to clean the sliding door contacts; the metal is very thin and won't tolerate much abuse. I've found that Revere Ware cleaner (that's right, for copper-bottom cooking pots) does a good job removing the tarnish and dirt that these electrical contacts pick up. You'll get longer-lasting protection for these contacts than WD-40 by using dielectric grease, found at any auto parts store.